Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Association of Distance Learning Colleges

Effective Date: 23 June 2026
Last Updated: 23 June 2026

1. Introduction

The Association of Distance Learning Colleges (ADLC) (“ADLC”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal data when you visit our website, contact us, apply for membership, enquire about courses, or otherwise engage with us.

We process personal data in accordance with:

  • the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • the Data Protection Act 2018
  • the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), where applicable

By using our website, you acknowledge the practices described in this policy.

2. Who We Are

ADLC is a UK organisation representing providers of distance learning and online education.

Data Controller:
Association of Distance Learning Colleges (ADLC)

Website:
ADLC Website

For privacy-related enquiries, please contact us using the contact details published on our website.

3. Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

Information you provide directly

This may include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Job title
  • Organisation name
  • Membership application details
  • Course enquiry information
  • Messages submitted via contact forms

Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device information
  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on pages
  • Referring website
  • Cookie identifiers

Communications data

We may keep records of:

  • Emails
  • Contact form submissions
  • Membership correspondence
  • Support or enquiry conversations

4. How We Use Your Personal Data

We use personal data to:

  • Respond to enquiries
  • Process membership applications
  • Manage member relationships
  • Provide information about ADLC services
  • Improve website performance
  • Maintain website security
  • Send newsletters or updates (where lawful)
  • Prevent fraud or misuse

5. Lawful Bases for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on one or more of the following lawful bases:

Legitimate Interests

We process data where necessary to operate and improve ADLC, communicate with members, and maintain website security.

Consent

Where required, we rely on your consent for:

  • optional marketing communications
  • non-essential cookies

You may withdraw consent at any time.

Contract

We may process personal data where necessary to fulfil contractual obligations, such as managing memberships.

Legal Obligation

We may retain or disclose data where required by law.

6. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and understand website usage.

Cookies may be used for:

  • website functionality
  • analytics
  • performance monitoring
  • security

Some cookies are essential for the website to function.

Non-essential cookies should only be used with your consent where required by law.

You can manage cookie settings through your browser or cookie banner preferences.

7. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell personal data.

We may share data with trusted third parties where necessary, including:

  • Website hosting providers
  • IT support providers
  • Analytics providers
  • Email communication platforms
  • Professional advisers
  • Regulators or legal authorities

All third parties are required to protect personal data appropriately.

8. International Transfers

Where personal data is transferred outside the United Kingdom, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

  • adequacy regulations
  • approved contractual clauses
  • equivalent legal protections

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, regulatory, tax, and operational requirements.

Retention periods may vary depending on:

  • the type of data
  • legal obligations
  • business needs

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against:

  • unauthorised access
  • accidental loss
  • misuse
  • disclosure
  • alteration
  • destruction

However, no online transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

11. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of data
  • Restrict processing
  • Object to processing
  • Request the transfer of your data
  • Withdraw consent where applicable
  • Lodge a complaint with the ICO

Requests may be subject to legal exemptions.

12. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal data, please contact us first so we can try to resolve the issue.

You also have the right to complain to the UK supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
ICO Website

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including member colleges and external education providers.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal, technical, or operational changes.

The latest version will always be published on this page.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact ADLC via the contact form provided on our website.

Write to us:

The Association of Distance
Learning Colleges
PO Box 17926
London
W19 3WB

Phone us:
020 8544 9559



Email us:
info@adlc.org.uk